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Richard K. Pivetz of the Town of Tonawanda, a retired Western District director for the School of Industrial and Labor Relations at Cornell University, died Monday in Kenmore Mercy Hospital. He was 88.

Born in Paterson, N.J., Mr. Pivetz served in the Navy during World War II in the Philippines, New Guinea and Australia.

He earned his bachelor's degree from Alfred University and his master's degree from the University of Buffalo.

Mr. Pivetz worked for Cornell University, serving as Western District director for the School of Industrial and Labor Relations in Buffalo from 1962 until his retirement in 1989.

He was a former president of the American Society for Training and Development and enjoyed traveling around the U.S. and Europe.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, the former Gloria Jesall; a daughter, Gloria Tross; two sons, Rick and Bruce; and a sister, Mildred P. Cooper.